The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Ensign Carlos Meade Beardmore (NSN: 0-383133), United States Naval Reserve, for extraordinary heroism while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane in Fighting Bombing Squadron ONE (VBF-1), attached to the U.S.S. BENNINGTON (CV-20), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet, including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers and destroyers at the Kure Naval Base on 24 July 1945. Ensign Beardmore skillfully and courageously supported his division leader in a dive bombing attack on an enemy battleship. Despite intense and accurate anti-aircraft fire from the enemy warships and from numerous shore batteries, he pressed home his attack to a perilously low level, scoring a direct hit which immeasurable contributed to critically damaging the battleship and to the success of the Task Force mission. His conspicuous skill and courage were at all times inspiring and in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.